Swimming pool ball game

ABSTRACT

A swimming pool ball game includes a ball target, poles mounted on opposite sides of a swimming pool in which the ball target is deployed, and cable assemblies extending from the ball target to each of the poles, the cable assemblies configured to allow the ball target to remain suspended above and, substantially parallel with, the surface of water within the swimming pool when the swimming pool ball game is being used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to games and game apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to an improved ball game to be played in a swimming pool and a suspended target for use in the game.

It has been popular for a long time to play ball games in swimming pools. Such games have included versions of basketball wherein a basketball basket is positioned either at or near an edge of the pool, or is configured to float in the pool. In such known swimming pool ball games, a ball that is thrown or tossed by a player may miss its basket target and travel outside of the pool where the player or another person must retrieve it. In addition to the inconvenience of having to retrieve the ball when outside of the pool, a ball that travels out of the pool may land in dirt or debris and become disadvantageously dirty.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved swimming pool ball game that is structured and configured such that, when played, the ball is more likely to stay within the pool, even if the players miss the ball basket or other target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved ball game to be played in a swimming pool and a suspended target for use in the game. A first embodiment of the swimming pool ball game includes a ball target, poles mounted on opposite sides of a swimming pool in which the ball target is deployed, and cable assemblies extending from the ball target to each of the poles, the cable assemblies configured to allow the ball target to remain suspended above and, substantially parallel with, the surface of water within the swimming pool when the swimming pool ball game is being used.

A second embodiment of the swimming pool ball game includes a game deck having a ball hole formed therethrough and a basketball-type net mounted to the game deck below the ball hole, poles mounted on opposite sides of a swimming pool in which the game deck is deployed, and cable assemblies extending from the game deck to each of the poles, the cable assemblies configured to allow the game deck to remain suspended above and, substantially parallel with, the surface of water within the swimming pool when the swimming pool ball game is being used. Each cable assembly includes a pair of first cables, a first end of each first cable attached to a corner of the game deck and second ends of each first cable are attached to a second cable.

Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in view of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an in-ground swimming pool having a first embodiment of a swimming pool ball game in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the in-ground swimming pool illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a detachable basketball style backboard.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an above-ground swimming pool having a second embodiment of a swimming pool ball game in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a representative embodiment of an in-ground swimming pool, indicated generally at in accordance with this invention. The illustrated in-ground swimming pool 10 is, in large measure, conventional in the art and is intended merely to illustrate one environment in which this invention may be used. Thus, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited for use with the specific structure for the in-ground swimming pool 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 . On the contrary, as will become apparent below, this invention may be used in any desired type of swimming pool for the purposes described below.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a swimming pool ball game is illustrated at 12. The illustrated embodiment of the swimming pool ball game 12 includes a ball 14. The ball 14 may be any desired type and size of ball suitable for use in a swimming pool. For example, the ball 14 may have a size similar to a conventional basketball. Alternatively, the swimming pool ball game 12 may be provided with one or more balls 14 having a variety of different sizes and weights. The swimming pool ball game 12 further includes a ball target configured as a game board or deck 16. The deck 16 is attached between two cables assemblies 18 and suspended above the surface of the water W in the pool The game deck 16 is substantially planar and includes a ball hole 20 for the ball 14, and is similar to a hoop opening of a conventional basketball hoop. The ball hole 20 may have any desired diameter corresponding to the size or sizes of the balls 14 used with the swimming pool ball game 12. If desired, a basketball-type net 22 may be mounted to the game deck 16 below the ball hole 20.

Each cable assembly 18 includes a pair of first cables 24. A first end 24A of each first cable 24 is attached to a corner of the game deck 16 and the second ends 24B of each first cable 24 are attached to a second cable 26. The second ends 24B of the first cables 24 may be attached to the second cable 26 by a tensioning device, such as a turnbuckle, shown schematically at 28. Similarly, the first ends 24A of the first cables 24 may be attached to the corners of the game deck 16 by the tensioning devices 28.

Distal ends of each of the second cables 26 may be attached to a pole 30. If desired, the distal ends of each of the second cables 26 may be attached to the pole 30 by the tensioning devices 28. The poles 30 may have a unitary, single piece construction, may be telescoping, or may be formed of one or more connected segments. The poles 30 may be mounted to a base 32 that rests on, or is attached to, the ground, or may be anchored in the ground adjacent the swimming pool 10.

The game deck 16 and the connected cable assemblies 18 are structured and configured to allow the game deck 16 to remain substantially parallel with the surface of the water W when the swimming pool ball game 12 is being used. The poles 30, especially if telescoping, the game deck 16, and the attached cable assemblies 18 are further structured and configured to allow the game deck 16 to be selectively positioned at any desired distance D above the water W in the swimming pool 10, such as within about 12 inches to about 60 inches above the water W. It will be understood that the game deck 16 may be positioned at any desired distance D above the water W. It will also be understood that the poles 30 may also include multiple attachment members, such as hooks or eyelets (not shown), arranged longitudinally thereon to allow the game deck 16 and the attached cable assemblies 18 to be selectively positioned at a plurality of different distances D above the water W. As shown in FIG. 1 , the poles 30 may be secured by one or more guy-wires 34 staked or otherwise anchored into the ground.

The game deck 16 may be formed from any desired material, including but not limited to plastic, wood, and composite materials. The cable assemblies 18 may also be formed from any desired material, including but not limited to steel or other metal cables, and ropes formed from nylon or other man-made or natural fiber.

Although the illustrated swimming pool ball game 12 includes the cable assemblies 18, it will be understood that other means of attaching the game deck 16 to the poles 30 and suspending the game deck 16 above the water W may be used, including but not limited to other types of cables, ropes, straps, chains, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a second embodiment of the swimming pool ball game is illustrated at 42. The second embodiment of the swimming pool ball game 42 is configured for use with an above-ground swimming pool 40. The illustrated embodiment of the swimming pool ball game 42 includes the ball 14. The swimming pool ball game 42 may be otherwise the same as the swimming pool ball game 12, and thus includes the game deck 16 attached to the two cables assemblies 18, the tensioning devices 28, and the poles 30, such as the telescoping poles 30, as shown in FIG. 1 .

Alternatively, the swimming pool ball game 42 may include poles 44 configured to be securely mounted to a side wall 41 of the above-ground swimming pool 40. Like the poles 30, the poles 44 may have a unitary, single piece construction, may be telescoping, or may be formed of one or more connected segments.

If desired, a detachable basketball style backboard 46 may be mounted to one side of the game deck 16 to limit game play to one side of the game deck 16, as shown in FIG. 2 . The backboard 46 may be formed from any of the same materials as the game deck 16.

Advantageously, the game deck 16 may be suspended centrally above the pools 10 or 40. Thus, when the swimming pool ball games 12 and 42 are played, the ball 14 is tossed toward the ball hole 20 in the game deck 16, which minimizes the opportunity for the ball 14 to be inadvertently tossed out of the pool 10, 40.

The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A swimming pool ball game comprising: a ball target; poles mounted on opposite sides of a swimming pool in which the ball target is deployed; and cable assemblies extending from the ball target to each of the poles, the cable assemblies configured to allow the ball target to remain suspended above and, substantially parallel with, the surface of water within the swimming pool when the swimming pool ball game is being used.
 2. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 1, wherein the ball target is configured as a game deck.
 3. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 2, wherein the game deck is planar and has a ball hole formed therethrough.
 4. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 3, wherein the game deck includes a basketball-type net mounted thereto below the ball hole.
 5. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 1, wherein the poles are telescoping.
 6. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 3, wherein each cable assembly includes a pair of first cables, a first end of each first cable attached to a corner of the game deck and second ends of each first cable are attached to a second cable.
 7. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 6, further including a tensioning device attached between the second ends of the first cables and each of the second cables.
 8. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 7, wherein the tensioning device is a turnbuckle.
 9. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 8, wherein the swimming pool is an in-ground swimming pool.
 10. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 8, wherein the swimming pool is an above-ground swimming pool.
 11. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 9, wherein the poles are mounted one of on and in the ground on opposite sides of the swimming pool in which the ball target is deployed.
 12. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 10, wherein the poles are configured to be securely mounted to a side wall of the above-ground swimming pool.
 13. A swimming pool ball game comprising: a game deck having a ball hole formed therethrough and a basketball-type net mounted to the game deck below the ball hole; poles mounted on opposite sides of a swimming pool in which the game deck is deployed; and cable assemblies extending from the game deck to each of the poles, the cable assemblies configured to allow the game deck to remain suspended above and, substantially parallel with, the surface of water within the swimming pool when the swimming pool ball game is being used; wherein each cable assembly includes a pair of first cables, a first end of each first cable attached to a corner of the game deck and second ends of each first cable are attached to a second cable.
 14. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 13, further including a tensioning device attached between the second ends of the first cables and each of the second cables.
 15. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 13, wherein the swimming pool is an in-ground swimming pool.
 16. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 13, wherein the swimming pool is an above-ground swimming pool.
 17. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 15, wherein the poles are mounted one of on and in the ground on opposite sides of the swimming pool in which the game deck is deployed.
 18. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 16, wherein the poles are configured to be securely mounted to a side wall of the above-ground swimming pool.
 19. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 17, wherein the poles are telescoping.
 20. The swimming pool ball game according to claim 18, wherein the poles are telescoping. 